Bush roses dying? - Ask Extension
Hello--
We have two bush roses that have been flourishing for years in our back garden. The soil is inhospitable clay but the plant has always done w...
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Bush roses dying? #880066
Asked August 03, 2024, 7:01 PM EDT
Hello--
We have two bush roses that have been flourishing for years in our back garden. The soil is inhospitable clay but the plant has always done well. This summer however, the bush seems to be dying off slowly. We have cut down a nearby tree--which we thought would give it more sun--but perhaps this was a mistake? The plant looks like it's migrated to the SW side of the garden area--to reach the sun.
I've included photographs. Can you help? Thank you.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
A shaded plant suddenly given full sunshine causes stressful growing conditions. The rose may adapt to this or it might decline or die. Do what you can to help it, like giving extra deep watering the first summers. Refresh mulch around the root zone to hold moisture. As an extra measure, I’ve even moved a patio umbrella over a shrub for the very hottest days to ease the transition to full sun exposure.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is advising summer occasional watering of landscape trees, see here. Though you have a rose bush, this gives an idea about how much water to provide.
Also, you might have something else happening, so as you prune the dead parts off, watch for insect or disease places where the dieback is occurring. There are stem borers and galls that attack roses. Share photos if you find something to diagnose.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is advising summer occasional watering of landscape trees, see here. Though you have a rose bush, this gives an idea about how much water to provide.
Also, you might have something else happening, so as you prune the dead parts off, watch for insect or disease places where the dieback is occurring. There are stem borers and galls that attack roses. Share photos if you find something to diagnose.
